On a trip to Venice last week, I had lunch at La Cantina on Strada Nuova. This little enoteca on Cannaregio’s main street is a meeting point for locals who stop by throughout the day to throw back a glass of prosecco with a couple of oysters. They also serve a few hot dishes, cheeses and cured meats. I may never have had such an awful bowl of pasta e fagioli in my life as what I was served at La Cantina (aren’t the beans supposed to be rehydrated for this dish?), but the follow up, 1lb. of meat and cheese, was much more satisfying. Next time I’ll follow the crowd and go for the oysters, though.

Strada Nuova – Cannaregio 3689
+39-041-522-8258
Open from 11am til late; closed Sun and Mon.